Today's Thought - Mercy for the silent

Friday 31 August, 2007 home | respond | prayer | pastoral | archive

Mercy for the silent

He came into my office as he had done on numerous occasions before. He was quite an elderly gentleman but was the embodiment of health, temperance and love of life. His blue eyes twinkled, his smile ran in well-used tracks and his forehead was lofty.

He had come from another country, escaping persecution, and I was delighted with his command of the English language. He was everything I wished I could be, full of grace and intelligence, cultured and respectful. He saw goodness all round him and he overflowed with appreciation.

He looked at me intently and, begging not to be thought rude, he asked, "I do not believe in God. Are you religious?"

"Yes," I answered in deep sorrow. I wanted to cry or better, to non-exist. Oh, God, forgive me. He has never believed in You, yet I cannot comprehend not believing in You. He is unbelieving and eloquent about Goodness yet I am believing - and silent. I have so many terrible failings. He has only one - he doesn’t believe in You.

“Lord, be merciful to me,

the sinner, silently believing.”

Luke 18:13